Used Motorcycle Buying Tips - How to Buy a Used Harley - Kevin Baxter - Pro Twin Performance

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/ @kevinbaxter
Pro Twin Performance and Baxter's Garage
723 W Winder Industrial Pkwy
Winder, GA 30680
[phone]

[@kerrylewis2581]

Something I like to do after the visual and audible inspection is to ask the owner if I can follow them in my car. I ask them to drive it normally and aggressively if possible. This gives me a chance to listen to the bike as well as how it performs during acceleration and deceleration. Then I'll ask to test ride the bike and give them the option to follow in their vehicle.

[@KevinBaxter]

Thats a great idea.

[@whenim6462]

Thanks Kevin. I never watch your videos that I don’t learn something.

[@LonesomeNomad137]

Could’ve used that video a couple months ago. I bought an 05 Dyna Super Glide. I was comfortable with the seller who paid $34K for it new. All modifications and services were done by Harley. I knew that the service would be well documented at the dealer. What I wasn’t expecting was the neglect that comes with buying a 15 year old bike with only 2500 miles. Luckily I watched your video with the representative from Dunlop. As soon as I could after that video I checked my tires. Although the tread was in great condition the tires were 15 years old and I could see small areas of dry rot or cracks in the sidewall. I immediately made an appointment and got a new set of Dunlop Elites. Keep in mind, I had taken my bike to Brothers Harley Davidson who performed the 5K mile service at a cost of $500+. Thank God I watched that video, I have nightmares of my tires exploding when I’m in a high speed curve cartwheeling off the mountain.(or something like that😁) Thanks for doing what you do, I’m a better and smarter biker because of you. 👏👏👏

[@KevinBaxter]

thats one aspect i didnt touch on. often, an old bike with very low miles can lead to costly repairs as well...mileage isnt really an indicator of how mechanically sound a bike is. seals dry rot, fuel goes rancid, etc...

[@LonesomeNomad137]

Exactly, cost me a couple grand to get it solid again.

[@LonesomeNomad137]

Hey Kevin, I got stuck out of town recently. Couldn’t get the bike started for anything. I had it towed home put it on a charger and it fired right up. Then the next morning after charging all night it fired up, I went for a ride and that was it. So I figured let me replace the battery. The owner told me he never changed the original. So I change the battery, it fires up , I go for a ride to get gas. I fill it up and it fired up and back home. That’s it. It hasn’t started again. If I prime the fuel injectors a few times it sounds like it wants to start. I’m not sure if it’s shit in the tank that’s obstructing fuel flow, maybe the plugs fouled or the fuel injection is shot. My goal is to get it started so I can get it to the performance shop. I can always rent a uhaul but any ideas ?

[@LonesomeNomad137]

I’ve put a thousand miles on it, after taken it to a Harley dealer for the 5K maintenance, and then the performance shop for tires thanks to your DunlopExecutive interview

[@rolandos64]

You are a great teacher. I could hear you teach all day!

[@jimkillen1065]

Ok let me tell you a few years ago I dropped by the Harley dealer and spotted a 12 Street Glide and it had I think 43 k miles on it checked and ready to go so I was cheap and thought that will be better than spending the money on a new bike . So I traded in my road king and less than a 1k miles on it the crank went out . So do what ever you want on a used bike with a stock Harley motor . Both of my bikes have SS motors in them . I not fond of Stock Harley cranks lifters ect ect lol

[@JR-bj3uf]

I was a BMW tech for several years. One thing a front wheel bearing, showing very little grease, indicated that the owner washed his/her bike with a pressure wand and blew the grease out of the bearing. We used to find dry bearings all the time on BMWs.

[@markfrank2454]

Great buying tips I just looked at one last week 49700 miles strange that it didn't have a rock chip on the front of the front fender on a street glide or on the fairing or the front of the tank the price wasn't way out of line but I just walked away I will wait til I find one that the story and history is available to be honest fall is where the deals are to be found thanks for what you do!

[@dannpd1955]

Good video and info. I totally agree on the test ride and have always handled it that way on bikes that Ive bought and sold. Good point. Thanks Kevin.

[@roncoburn7771]

Great video Kevin it amazes me some guys buy sight unseen that’s nuts

[@KevinBaxter]

Its a gamble for sure.

[@charliewright4840]

Great to see U show this things. I got a lot of work for U in the next year. Will call U to work it out.

[@djoh802]

Phenomenal tips I've learned so much from your videos. I really appreciate it Kevin 🙌

[@mrsteve3101]

Also check the spelling on the petrol tank. Make sure it doesn't say Harvey Dave-hisun.

[@Sam590ss]

Absolutely a gentleman's agreement! Wouldn't have it any other way.

[@KevinBaxter]

Exactly Sam.

[@manbunmyname5866]

8:15 You mean you don't burn the last miles of rubber off into smoke? I tell you, the stupid smile is totally worth it.

[@darthblunt3833]

Great vid man, that was a pretty good pre buy inspection list. Just subbed. Appreciate your opinion 100%

[@getoffmygrass6974]

Great tips Kevin, thank you. Just as an extra because it happened to me when I bought a R6 years ago is making sure the title mileage matches the odometer. I actually still bought the bike lol but a lot cheaper.

[@gcdiver]

Great video. Saved it for future reference on my next bike purchase. Only criticism is on asking the seller why they are selling their motorcycle. I would imagine that if there is an issue with the bike, they would most likely not tell the truth and have some excuse like, "I just don't have time to ride anymore," or something like that, which hides the fact of a known or suspected problem. Negotiating on what your physical inspection of the bike, as well as a test ride (if possible), is really your best bet. Who cares why they are selling?

[@Alex-gz9wk]

Great video thank you

[@KevinBaxter]

Very welcome

[@jang6969]

Awesome video and info. Thanks Kevin! 🇨🇦

[@7viewerlogic670]

Good info, thanks.

[@aaroncox3340]

Great information. Thanks Kevin.

[@CapnDrift]

You didn't rub your finger in the pipe(s). And you know what I'm talking about. The finger will come out as one might expect, black'ish. Rub the fingers together: is it dry or wet? If it's wet smell it: does it smell like burned oil or fuel? If it's pretty dry, near powdery then you know it's not burning oil or running rich. As you mention in another video, Kevin, running rich washes oil from the cylinder walls leading to premature ring failure. For some reason a lot of folks think "rich" is a safe way to go. Nope. Now I'm off to try to find the Timken mod video.

[@KevinBaxter]

Ya know...that's a very good point. Having a look at the plugs is a good way as well. Great comment. thanks.

[@CapnDrift]

@@KevinBaxter I watched your plug video and took notes, heh. I intend to type them up and hang it in my shop for reference. The part about the ground strap color at, before and after the bend was new to me. Good stuff! Thanks!

[@KevinBaxter]

Thank you sir. Glad you found it useful.

[@chopperchopster]

I always buy non running old stuff. Panheads and such. I like to rebuild stuff.

[@paco1008]

Great directions on this one

[@JamesCouch777]

The best way to buy a motorcycle is to wait until the dead of winter when the owner who is over his head in debt is desperate to sell. I've bought several this way.

[@paulc4078]

Thank you Kevin.

[@KevinBaxter]

Youre welcome...thanks for following.

[@johnbruce3224]

dont forget check clutch cable for fraying...and shifter linkage from tranny spline

[@rousesimpson3546]

Good information

[@tomchristian4304]

Great tips, thank you.

[@Jimmy_Jim_Jim_1234]

Great advice thanks.

[@KevinBaxter]

youre welcome sir. Thanks for following.

[@mountaindew8042]

👍😀 .dont for get to hit the like button for Mr Baxter.

[@michaelmorgan5714]

Thank you! The oldest step son has been thinking about getting a new to him bike. I was wondering what lubricant you would recommend for pivot points I currently just use a cable lube.Mike

[@JamesCouch777]

I see he didn't answer. Cable or chain lube are good options.

[@johnleardini1117]

This video taught me Im an excellent owner and my bike has been properly cared for and immaculately maintained! BWAHAHAHAHA

[@KevinBaxter]

Saweet!

[@righttorecord3538]

Or just meet a seller with their bike at your shop and have you appraise it.

[@marceltheriault9222]

Good info!

[@KevinBaxter]

Thanks!

[@warricknorris5034]

Pleasure it would be great to get an experts opinion

[@rolandos64]

Why someone is selling something is irrelevant! It’s up to you to do your due diligence and avoid getting played. Few will be straight up and tell you the truth when something has issues. The likelihood of it being sold is slim. Hence the deception. Therefore why someone is selling something is irrelevant

[@karibordi2082]

Stay away from any TC 96 and newer and you're probably winning

[@gregkistner1955]

Smh! You buy a new one and find out it's Still not built properly! 😑

[@mdwillowswillows5414]

👀👂💭👍👍👍👍👍. 🌠🌠🌠🌠🌠